Because I Stubbed My Toe
Shawn Byous
Capstone Press, 2014
32 pages
SUMMARY:
Have you ever had “one of those days,” where from the moment you get out of bed things go
wrong? That is what happens in, Because I Stubbed My Toe, our un-named main character stubs
his toe just getting out of bed and scares the dog who scares the cat that jumps out the window
and lands on the head of a passerby and things spiral from there. Everyone is affected by our
main character stubbing his toe from an old man on a park bench, to young children in a bouncy
house and animals in the zoo! But in the end he is glad he stubbed his toe.
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY…
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, Laura Joffe Numeroff
Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears, Verna Aardema
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, Mo Willems
WEBSITES:
http://www.readworks.org/lessons/grade1/cause-and-effect
Because I Stubbed My Toe is a great book for teaching cause and effect. On this website you
will find lesson plans to assist in teaching cause and effect.
http://www.brainpop.com/educators/community/bp-jr-topic/cause-and-effect/
Lesson helps and activities for teaching cause and effect.
BOOKTALK:
You just never think that when something bad happens to you that it can affect other people but
in Because I Stubbed My Toe, it is proven that we are not alone. You get out of bed and stub your
toe on the chair; it scares your dog who in turn scares the cat so bad that he jumps out the
window and lands on an innocent passerby. That person drops their ice cream cone and the
troubles continue. This is a great book for teaching cause and effect to young children. It is also
a great book for showing how we are all connected in this world. This is definitely a book that
you must share with someone else, you cannot read it alone.
Prepared by:
Linda K. Lundeen, Forest Heights Elementary School, [email protected]
Carnivores
Aaron Reynolds and Dan Santat
Chronicle Books 2013
40 pages
SUMMARY:
It’s lonely at the top of the food chain. Fitting in with the plant eaters is a challenge when you
most likely ate a relative of theirs at one time or another. What's a carnivore to do? The great
white shark, timber wolf and the lion go to great lengths to deal with being the most feared.
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK TRY:
The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
Lion vs Rabbit by Alex Latimer
Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson
WEBSITES:
Book Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mgt8k8Dle-Q
Author’s Website http://www.aaron-reynolds.com/carnivores.html
Chronicle Books Teacher’s Guide http://www.chroniclebooks.com/landingpages/pdfs/ChronicleClassroom/Carnivores_TeachersGuide_4.pdf
BOOKTALK:
Lion, Shark, and Timber Wolf are tired of being feared by the rest of the animal kingdom. They
decide to become vegetarians in hopes that all the other animals will stop running away from
them. Unfortunately salad tastes terrible, and besides their teeth can’t do anything with it. They
try disguising themselves which doesn’t work out very well. When the carnivores meet with a
wise old owl he advises them that eating meat doesn’t make them bad: it’s just who they are.
Prepared by:
Lynda Jernigan, Coosa Elementary School, [email protected]
Churchill’s Tale of Tails
Anca Sandu
Peachtree Publishers, 2014
32 pages
SUMMARY:
Churchill the pig loses his tail, and his friends help him search for a replacement. Churchill
becomes so preoccupied with trying on tails that he neglects those who befriended him.
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY…
All for Me and None for All, Helen Lester
Do Not Open This Book!, Michaela Muntean
My Friend Rabbit, Eric Rohmann
Pigs Make Me Sneeze!, Mo Willems
What Do You Do With a Tail Like That?, Steve Jenkins
WEBSITES:
Wear a Tail Day http://www.awlqld.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/How-to-Make-aTail.pdf
Pigs Storytime, SurLaLune http://www.surlalunefairytales.com/storytime/pigs/index.html
Churchill’s Tale of Tails Pinterest Board https://www.pinterest.com/peachtreepub/churchillstale-of-tails/
BOOKTALK:
HELP! HELP! Churchill the pig has lost his tail and he needs help!
Have you ever heard the old proverb, “A friend in need is a friend in deed” ? Well, Churchill
needs all his friends to help him replace his lost tail and they all pitch in finding tails for him.
Churchill starts to enjoy trying on all the new and different tails, and gets all wrapped up in
himself. Will he remember how important his friends are to him? Will he ever find his own lost
tail? Read Churchill’s Tale of Tails to find out!
Prepared by:
Martha Taylor, Wren Middle School, [email protected]
Clara and Davie:
the True Story of Young Clara Barton, Founder of the Red Cross
Patricia Polacco
Scholastic Press, 2014
32 pages
SUMMARY:
Clara and Davie tells the story of a young Clara Barton and her protective older brother. As a
child, Clara had a lisp. Even though the children as school teased Clara, Davie knew that Clara
was truly gifted, especially when it came to healing animals. Davie always believed that Clara
would become a very important lady. Davie’s prediction turned out to be right when Clara
Barton became one of the most famous women of her time by founding the American Red Cross.
IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK, TRY…
Amazing Civil War Nurse: Clara Barton by Wade, Mary Dodson
Clara Barton by Devillier, Christy by Lakin, Patricia
Clara Barton by Schaefer, Lola M.
Just Because by Elliott, Rebecca
WEBSITES:
Biography: Clara Barton for Kids
http://www.ducksters.com/biography/women_leaders/clara_barton.php
Gives biography of Clara Barton in kid-friendly language.
National Park Service: Clara Barton
http://www.nps.gov/clba/forkids/index.htm
Information on dressing like Clara Barton, primary source documents, photographs, and a
timeline of Clara’s life.
BOOKTALK:
Before Clara Barton earned the nickname of “The Angel of the Battlefield” from taking care of
wounded soldiers during the Civil War, and before she founded the American Red Cross, she
was very shy. She had to be home-schooled because her classmates teased her so badly because
of her lisp. Clara’s best friends were plants and animals. She was so good at taking care of these
living things, that her older brother Davie always knew she would grow up to be a great lady.
Prepared by:
Cathy Poole, Lesslie Elementary School, [email protected]
The Day the Crayons Quit
Drew Daywalt
Philomel Books, 2013
32 pages
SUMMARY:
This back-to-school story tells the tale of a box of crayons and their life living with a little boy,
Duncan. Each crayon wrote a letter complaining about how he uses them or lack of.
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY…
What Happens at a Crayon Factory, Lisa Guidone
Hurty Feelings, Helen Lester
A Day with No Crayons, Elizabeth Rusch
WEBSITES:
Oliver Jeffers World, http://oliverjeffersworld.com/, Illustrator’s Website
Kid Lit 411, http://www.kidlit411.com/2014/03/kidlit411-Drew-Daywalt-Author-Spotlight.html,
Author Interview
Nerdy Book Club, http://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2013/10/06/what-if-by-drew-daywalt/,
Author explores “what if…” as a writer
Crayola, http://www.crayola.com/videos/video-category/the-life-of-an-american-crayon.aspx,
Short video on how a crayon is made
Wired, http://www.wired.com/2014/09/how-to-make-crayons/, Pictures and step-by-step
directions on how crayons are made
BOOKTALK:
“Hey, I have feelings too!” That’s the underlying theme found in this book. Poor Duncan finds
a stack of letters written by his box of crayons, and they are not happy. Red has to work on
holidays, black is just used for outlines, blue is short and stubby, and pink just wants to be used.
Find out what else is wrong and what Duncan does to fix it in this book, The Day the Crayons
Quit.
Prepared by:
Aleisha Ainsworth, Cheraw Primary, [email protected]
Doug Unplugged
Dan Yaccarino
Alfred A. Knopf, 2013
32 pages
SUMMARY:
Doug the robot gets plugged in every day. There he learns millions of facts and figures, but when
he unplugs himself, goes outside and meets a friend the learning really begins.
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY:
Doug Unplugs on the Farm, Dan Yaccarino
Fix This Mess!, Tedd Arnold
Junkyard, Mike Austin
Monkey & Robot, Peter Catalanotto
Sometimes I Forget You’re a Robot, Sam Brown
WEBSITES:
Dan Yaccarino’s official site
http://www.danyaccarino.com/ys/
Includes a videos including a book trailer of Doug Unplugged and of Yaccarino talking about
school visits.
WordGirl’s Build My Robot! Interactive game
http://pbskids.org/wordgirl/games/robotworkshop/
From PBSKids, customize a robot with heads, body, arms and legs.
NASA’s Robotic Alliance Project
http://robotics.nasa.gov/edu/k-5.php
Detailed Resource List for NASA’s Robotics Alliance Project
Drawing Robot
http://www.thedrawbot.com/drawing/drawing-robot.html
Printable directions for drawing a robot
BOOKTALK
Wouldn’t it be great if we could plug ourselves, our students, our teachers into a nice USB port
and have everyone learn, learn, learn? No mess, no fuss, easy peasy. Just plug in and become a
medical doctor, an astronaut, President of the United States. Doug is a robot so that is how he
learns. He plugs in every day, but one day he decides to take a different approach. He is
unplugged and out for a little adventure. What will he learn when he is unplugged? Find out in
Doug Unplugged by Dan Yaccarino.
Prepared by:
E. Kim Livingston, St. James-Santee Elementary School,
[email protected]
Hoop Genius:
How a Desperate Teacher and a Rowdy Gym Class Invented Basketball
John Coy
Carolrhoda Books, 2013
30 pages
SUMMARY:
Young James Naismith is hired to take over a rowdy gym class right before the winter vacation.
This group is so rough that the last two PE teachers quit. Naismith knows he needs to do
something different, exciting and fast paced to keep this group’s attention, and to keep anyone
from getting hurt. This book tells the true story of James Naismith and how he invented the game
of basketball as a frustrated gym teacher in 1891.
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY . . .
Outfoxed, by Mark Twohy
Toys in Space by Mini Grey
Lost Cat by Roger Mader
The First Drawing by Mordicai Gerstein
Little Dog Lost: The True Story of a Brave Dog Named Baltic by Monica Carnesi
WEBSITES:
John Coy: www.johncoy.com, Biographical information about the author and his books.
Springfield College: The Birthplace of Basketball,
www.springfieldcollege.edu/welcome/birthplaceofbasketball , James Naismith’s original 13
Rules of Basketball and photographs of Naismith are included on this website.
Joe Morse, http://joemorse.com/ Biographical information about the illustrator and many of his
works are highlighted on this website.
Basketball: James Naismith, http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blbasketball.htm The
history of basketball and biographical information about James Naismith is included on this site.
BOOKTALK:
Springfield College was in big trouble. They needed yet another gym teacher for a rowdy group
of students. Two teachers had already quit that school year due to the behavior of the students in
that class. The college officials convinced young teacher James Naismith to take the job. Once
he walked into the gym, Mr. Naismith knew he was in trouble. There was no way he was going
to keep the attention of this group without coming up with something different, something fast
paced, and fun. Mr. Naismith tried football and soccer, but someone always got hurt. He knew he
needed an activity that would prevent anyone from getting tackled. Then one morning shortly
before Christmas, the young teacher had a brainstorm! With a soccer ball and a peach basket, he
came up with a game that the students loved! Read this book to find out how the game of
basketball was invented.
Prepared by:
Deborah Wolfe, Bryson Elementary School, [email protected]
Journey
Aaron Becker
Candlewick, 2013
40 pages
SUMMARY:
In this wordless tale, an unnamed girl lost in a world of loneliness uses a red marker to draw a
door in her bedroom to getaway. Through various adventures, she is captured and her crayon is
taken. After her crayon is returned, she draws her way back to freedom.
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY…
Quest, Aaron Becker
Draw, Raul Colon
The Girl and the Bicycle, Mark Pett
Here I Am, Patti Kim
WEBSITES:
Story Breathing, http://www.storybreathing.com, Author’s Website
YouTube, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxUs41jB4Ts, Book Trailer
My Kid’s Adventure, http://www.mykidsadventures.com, Lots of adventurous ideas to do with
children
Book Adventure, http://www.bookadventure.com/Home.aspx, Go on your own adventure with a
book (must register, but registration is free)
BOOKTALK:
Are you lonely or bored even? Don’t worry, just find a crayon. That’s just what this lonely girl
did! Her red crayon can take her anywhere! After drawing a door in her bedroom wall, she is
led through a series of adventures until she is captured! What will she do? Will she find her way
back to freedom? Read Aaron Becker’s Journey to see just what happens to this little girl and
her red crayon.
Prepared by:
Aleisha Ainsworth, Cheraw Primary, [email protected]
Kali's Story: An Orphaned Polar Bear Rescue
Jennifer Keats Curtis
Arbordale Publishing, 2013
32 pages
Summary:
Kali, the polar bear, is orphaned and rescued,
If You Liked This Book, Try . . .
Wild About Bears, Jeanne Brett
Tooth & Claw: The Wild World of Big Predators, Jim Arnosky
Cub's Big World, Sarah L. Thomson
Polar Opposites, Eric Brooks
In Arctic Waters, Laura Crawford
A Pair of Polar Bears: Twin Cubs Find a Home at the San Diego Zoo, Joanna Ryder
Websites:
Polar Bear | San Diego Zoo Animals http://www.animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/polar-bear
Features a webcam of these polar bears
Jennifer Keats Curtis http://www.jenniferkeatscurtis.com/
Author biography and information about other books she's published
Untamed and Uncut: Polar Bear Rescue : Video : Animal Planet
http://www.animalplanet.com/tv.../polar-bear-rescue.htm
A treacherous rescue takes place in St. John's ...
Prepared by:
E. Kim Livingston, St. James-Santee Elementary School,
[email protected]
Light in the Darkness
Lesa Cline-Ransome
Disney Hyperion Books, 2013
29 pages
SUMMARY:
Rosa is a child in slavery with her mom who wants to learn to read. Slave were not allowed to be
taught to read or write. So, it is in secret that they creep out in the middle of the night to go to a
“pit school.”
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY…
Up the Learning Tree, Martha Vaughan
Henry’s Freedom Box, Ellen Levine
Almost to Freedom, Vaunda Nelson
Hope’s Gift, Kelly Starling Lyons
More Than Anything Else, Marie Bradby
WEBSITES:
www.loc.gov/teachers/classroomaterials/presentationsandactivities/presentations/civil-rights
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/slavery/experience/education/docs1.html
BOOKTALK:
What if you told you were not allowed to learn to read or write? What if there were no books or
schools for you to learn from? Would you wake up in the middle of the night and sneak out with
your mother to go to a private school? Would you be willing to walk in the dark and crawl into a
dark pit to learn? If discovered you could be beaten or killed? Would you risk your life to learn
to read and write? That is just what Rosa and her mom do each night because they want to learn
so badly. Read Light in the Darkness to see if she is successful!
Prepared by:
Sherell Stepp, Gilbert Primary School, [email protected]
Maple
Lori Nichols
Nancy Paulsen Books, 2014
32 pages
SUMMARY:
Maple’s parents plant a maple tree in her honor when she is born. As she and her tree grow up
together, she finds that her tree doesn’t mind when Maple wants to be loud – even though it can’t
run and play like other playmates. When Maple becomes a big sister, she realizes babies have
loud moments too and knows just what her new baby sister needs.
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY…
Sparky by Jenny Offill
Maple and Willow Together by Lori Nichols
Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson
WEBSITES:
Author’s Official Website: www.lorinichols.com
This website has more information about the book and suggested activity sheets for added fun!
Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqHXHjPPcK0
Check out the book trailer by Lori Nichols!
Book Blog: http://booksforkidsblog.blogspot.com/2014/07/growing-up-green-maple-by-lorinichols.html
Read Lori’s blog post about the book and comment on what you thought!
Kidzone Science Trees: http://www.kidzone.ws/plants/trees.htm
Take a look at this website to learn more about trees, plus find some fun tree activities, diagrams,
and crafts!
BOOKTALK:
Sometimes it is hard to talk to people, but something that doesn’t talk back is always safe. In
this story Maple’s best friend is a maple tree her parents planted when she was born. You won’t
believe some of the ways she finds to have fun with a tree!
Prepared by:
Kriss Kirkindoll, Bethel Elementary, [email protected]
The Matchbox Diary
Paul Fleischman
Candlewick Press, 2013
40 pages
SUMMARY:
The Matchbox Diary is a beautifully written and illustrated book that shares a grandfather’s
stories about his immigrant experiences as a young boy traveling from Italy to America and
events he experiences in his new home. While waiting for the steamship to America, he had
found matchboxes which he later used to begin his object diary. While he and his family
traveled, he collected mementos to add to these tiny boxes. The grandfather now keeps these
matchboxes in an old cigar box. When he tells his great-granddaughter to choose one item from
his bookshop so he can tell her its story, she chooses the cigar box. He tells her this box holds his
diary, but when they open it, she doesn’t see a book with written words; instead she sees tiny
little matchboxes. As they open and pull contents out of each tiny box, he shares stories about
where he was when he first held the object– in Italy, on the ship, in America - and why that
memento was so important to him. Objects as simple as an olive pit, a piece of macaroni, a bottle
cap, sunflower seed shells, and torn pieces of newspapers remind him of stories to share.
Paul Fleischman creatively shares an immigrant’s story through the eyes of a child. He highlights
the importance of little things that have had great impact. He shares feelings of excitement,
anticipation, fear, happiness, sadness, difficulties, and new experiences.
Bagram Ibatoulline has created wonderful illustrations that capture the essence of the stories. The
illustrations are colorful while the grandfather and granddaughter are talking; then when the
grandfather is telling his stories, the illustrations are black and white – much like old
photographs in an aged scrapbook.
IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK, TRY…
Londner, R. (2013). Stones for Grandpa. Minneapolis, MN: Kar-Ben Publishing.
Ada, A. F. (2002). I love Saturdays y domingos. New York: Atheneum Books for Young
Readers.
Arnosky, J. (2006). Grandfather Buffalo. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons.
Bial, R. (2009). Ellis Island: Coming to the land of liberty. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
Bial, R. (2002). Tenement: Immigrant life on the Lower East Side. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
Cheng, A. (2000). Grandfather counts. New York: Lee & Low Books.
Freedman, R. (1980). Immigrant kids. New York: Scholastic.
Johnson, A. (1990). When I am old with you. Ill. by David Soman. New York: Orchard Books.
Polacco, P. (1998). The keeping quilt. New York: Simon and Shuster.
Say, A. (1993). Grandfather's journey. New York: Houghton Mifflin.
Tarbesca, E. (1998). Annushka’s voyage. Ill. by L. Dabcovich. New York: Clarion Books.
Velasquez, E. (2010). Grandma's gift. New York: Walker.
Woodruff, E. (1999). The memory coat. Ill. by M. Dooling. New York: Scholastic.
Yaccarino, D. (2011). All the way to America: The story of a big Italian family and a little
shovel. New York: Alfred Knopf.
WEBSITES:
Paul Fleischman's website http://www.paulfleischman.net
Read Fleischman’s biography, learn what inspired him to write The Matchbox Diary and other
titles. Read about his recently published work and awards he has earned.
Bagram Ibatoulline's website http://www.bagramibatoulline.com
View book covers and book images created by illustrator, Bagram Ibatoulline.
Candlewick Press, The Matchbox Diary Teachers’ Guide
http://www.candlewick.com/book_files/0763646016.btg.1.pdf Find lesson ideas and common
core connections for The Matchbox Diary that can be used with various age groups.
The Classroom Bookshelf website
http://classroombookshelf.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-matchbox-diary.html. Find recently
published children’s and young adult books. Read about classroom connections.
Imagination Soup website
http://imaginationsoup.net/2013/04/diy-miniature-blank-books-for-matchboxes/ Learn creative
ideas for making miniature books.
C. Jayne Teach – The Matchbox Diary- website
http://cjayneteach.com/blog/2013/04/03/the-matchbox-diary-by-paul-fleischman/ Find lesson
plan ideas for The Matchbox Diary as well as a summary of the book.
Library of Congress: Immigration Resources for Teachers
http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/themes/immigration/# Find classroom materials,
including lesson plans, themed resources, presentations and activities.
BOOKTALK:
Have you ever saved something and put it in your pocket? Have you ever wondered what your
grandparents were like when they were younger? In The Matchbox Diary, a little girl learns what
her great-grandfather collected when he was a little boy. The little girl’s grandfather owns a book
and antique shop where he has collected many old items. He tells her to choose one thing and he
will tell her its story. She chooses an old box with a pretty picture on its cover. When she asks
her grandfather “What’s inside?” he answers not just one story, but many stories. The pretty box
is filled with many tiny boxes and each tiny box has something inside – something her
grandfather collected that tells a story about him from when he was a little boy. Have fun reading
this book to find out all the stories the girl’s grandfather tells.
Prepared by:
Charlotte Easley, Shaw Heights Elementary School, Charlotte.Easley@ sumterschools.net
Ol’ Mama Squirrel
David Ezra Stein
Nancy Paulsen Books, 2013
32 pages
SUMMARY:
This is a quick engaging read aloud. Author David Ezra Stein uses expressive pictures and the
repetitive phrase “chook chook chook” to create a story of Ol’Mama Squirrel a typical
helicopter parent always ready to keep her babies safe and out of danger. It doesn’t matter if it is
an airplane or an animal, she always has a plan to keep her babies safe. Ol’Mama Squirrel shows
no fear when she faces down dogs, cats, or a wayward kite. She knows what to do in every
situation, even if a big “bear” of a problem comes along, she can always rely on the natural
abilities of mama squirrels.
IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK, TRY…
Those Darn Squirrels by Adam Rubin
Exclamation Mark by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Bob & Rob & Corn on the Cob by Todd McQueen
WEBSITES:
David Ezra Stein
www.davidezra.com Author website with information about the author, list of books, and
activities.
Ol’ Mama Squirrel Song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e90rpMkLZfw This is a Youtube video of the author David
Ezra Stein sing a song about the book.
National Geographic:
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/squirrel/ This link will take you
directly to information about squirrels which includes facts, a map of the squirrel range, a fast
fact section, and an actual recording of squirrel sounds.
Science Kids: http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/animals/squirrel.html
This link will take you to a website that lists some facts about squirrels. Very simple, geared or
the youngest researchers.
BOOKTALK:
When you go to the park, the playground, or the woods what animal do you see the most? That’s
right, SQUIRRELS??? Why do we see so many squirrels and what is going on in their squirrel
lives? I bet if you listen very closely you can hear them talking to you, maybe even fussing at
you. But why would a squirrel fuss at you? Well this book Ol’ Mama Squirrel might give us
some of the answers. Let’s read to find out!
Prepared by:
Amelia Eakin, Woodfields Elementary, [email protected]
Pluto's Secret
Margaret A. Weitekamp
Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2014
40 pages
SUMMARY:
This book tells the story of Pluto from the early 1900s to the present day. From the time that
early astronomers discovered what they thought was a ninth planet, to present revelations of
Pluto as a dwarf planet with its own moons, this book provides clear understanding of Pluto in
understandable text and child-friendly illustrations.
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK TRY...
Space by Will Osborne
Our Solar System by Seymour Simon
Beyond by Michael Benson
WEBSITES:
airandspace.si.edu/staff/margaret-weitekamp (Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum)
http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/kids/index.cfm About Dwarf Planets (NASA)
BOOKTALK:
Percival Lowell just knows there has to be another planet out there. All his research supports this
theory, that there is something pulling on the orbits of Uranus and Neptune. After he died, his
staff hired Clyde Tombaugh, who discovered there really was a ninth planet which was then
named Pluto. Would Pluto remain a planet? Is it alone in its orbit? Is a spacecraft destined to
touch down on Pluto in the near future? Read this amazing book that helps us understand our
startlingly impressive universe a little better.
Prepared by
Jennifer Simmons, Anderson County Library, [email protected]
The Scraps Book: Notes from a Colorful Life
Lois Ehlert
Simon & Schuster, 2014
72 pages
SUMMARY:
Author and illustrator, Lois Ehlert, has entertained children for years through her unique picture
books. Her artistic style is easily recognizable, utilizing mixed media collage to create colorful,
appealing images, often involving nature. With over 30 books to her credit, most children are
familiar with Ehlert’s work.
Similar to Ehlert’s previous works, Hands and Under My Nose, this book tells the story of how
the artist became a creator of children’s books. However this book is directed toward the K-2
crowd. Young readers will enjoy learning about the artist’s creation process. Part autobiography,
part inspirational message, this book makes the perfect lead-in to an author study and countless
art projects.
IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK, TRY…
Hands, Lois Ehlert
Under My Nose, Lois Ehlert
Picture This, Molly Bang
Words to My Life’s Song, Ashley Bryan
Artist to Artist : 23 Major Illustrators Talk to Children About Their Art
BOOKTALK:
Have you ever dreamed of being an author? How about an artist? Do you think it would be hard?
Do you think it would be fun? Well, you can find the answers to these questions and more
through Lois Ehlert’s The Scraps Book: Notes from a Colorful Life. You’ve probably seen lots of
her books… Leaf Man, Feathers for Lunch, and Planting a Rainbow, just to name a few.
Undoubtedly, you noticed that her pictures are always full of color and always full of “stuff.”
That’s because she likes to create collages, using things that she’s found and collected. In Scraps
Book, she talks about growing up in a family that was always creating things and how she was
encouraged to create. You even get to see the art table that she had as a child and still has to this
day. Scraps Book teaches us that anyone can be an artist. All it takes is a place to create,
materials close at hand, and a little bit of encouragement.
Prepared by:
Betsy Long, Doby’s Mill Elementary School, [email protected]
Tap the Magic Tree
Christie Matheson
Greenwillow Books, 2013
40 pages
SUMMARY:
Rhyming book encourages readers to interact with the apple tree throughout its seasons.
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY…
Press Here, Herve Tullet
A Tree is Nice, Janice May Udry
Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf, Lois Ehlert
The Seasons of Arnold’s Apple Tree, Gail Gibbons
WEBSITES:
Tap the Magic Tree Craft https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LE3D0CZOss0 Fall craft by
Christie Matheson and her daughter Ellie
Tap the Magic Tree Common Core Teaching Guide http://www.thepageturn.com/blog/wpcontent/upload
Books for Kids: Tap the Magic Tree (Poppins Book Nook)
http://growingbookbybook.com/2013/10/28/books-kids-tap-magic-tree-poppins-booknook/Growing Book by Book Literacy extensions for teaching use.
KidsRead Author Biography http://www.kidsreads.com/authors/christie-matheson
BOOKTALK:
You’ve probably tapped on an iPad, but have you ever had to tap on a book to get to the next part
of the story? Tap, touch, rub, and wiggle Tap the Magic Tree to move through the seasons of
the apple tree.
Prepared by:
Martha Taylor, Wren Middle School, [email protected]
This is the Rope : A Story from the Great Migration
Jacqueline Woodson
Nancy Paulsen Books (Penguin), 2013
32 pages
SUMMARY:
A story of a little girl, her mother, her grandmother, and a rope – a rope that connects the story of
three generations of this family as they travel from South Carolina to New York City during the
Great Migration.
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY…
Good-bye, Havana! Hola, New York! by Edie Colon
The Matchbox Diary by Paul Fleischman
This is Our House by Hyewon Yum
The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco
All the Way to America by Dan Yaccarino
The Great Migration by Eloise Greenfield
Bigmama’s by Donald Crews
Do Like Kyla by Angela Johnson
In My Momma’s Kitchen by Jerdine Nolan
Home Place by Crescent Dragonwagon
WEBSITES:
Storypath http://storypath.upsem.edu/this-is-the-rope-a-story-from-the-great-migration/
Questions to use after reading the book.
History: Great Migration http://www.history.com/topics/black-history/great-migration Factors
leading to the Great Migration.
PBS http://www.pbs.org/wnet/jimcrow/stories_events_migration.html Personal narratives and
events during this period of history, including the Jim Crow Laws.
Jacqueline Woodson http://www.jacquelinewoodson.com/ Biography of author and information
about her books.
Reading Rockets http://www.readingrockets.org/books/interviews/woodson Interview with
author Jacqueline Woodson.
BOOKTALK:
A little girl from South Carolina finds a rope under a tree. The family uses that rope for many
things, from playing jump rope games to tying a suitcase on a car. That rope becomes the symbol
of the family’s history as they journey from the south to New York City in the north during the
Great Migration.
Prepared by:
Cathy Poole, Lesslie Elementary School, [email protected]
The Very Inappropriate Word
Jim Tobin
Henry Holt and Company, 2013
33 pages
SUMMARY:
Michael loves words of all kinds and spends his days searching for new ones. Until, one day, he
finds a bad word, an inappropriate word. Although he does his best to hide it, it comes out!
With the help of his teacher, Michael finds some other words to use instead.
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY…
Elbert’s Bad Word, Audrey Wood
Max’s Word, Kate Banks
The Boy Who Loved Words, Roni Schotter
WEBSITE:
YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kT85VWbw4yg, Book Trailer
BOOKTALK:
Michael collects words! He likes words on signs, words at school, little words, big words… oh,
any kind of word. One day, Michael picked up a new word, a bad word, an inappropriate word!
Read The Very Inappropriate Word to find out find what Michael does with his new word!
Prepared by:
Aleisha Ainsworth, Cheraw Primary, [email protected]
Warning: Do Not Open This Book!
Adam Lehrhaupt
Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, 2013
40 pages
SUMMARY:
This charming book starts out with several warnings begging the reader not to open the book or
turn any pages. Once the story has started, madness ensues with wild monkeys and some other
crazy animals running loose in the book! It becomes the readers job to round up all the silly
animals so the story can end. This is sure to be a fun read aloud!
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY…
Open Very Carefully: A Book with Bite, Nick Bromley
The Book with No Pictures, BJ Novak
Count the Monkeys, Mac Barnett
WEBSITES:
Author’s Official Website
http://adamlehrhaupt.com/ Biographical information about the author; book trailer video
Teach Mentor Texts: Warning: Do Not Open This Book!
http://www.teachmentortexts.com/2014/03/warning-do-not-open-thisbook.html#axzz3NIRLnNjr Jen Vincent teaching ideas for this picture book.
Do Not Open This Book http://www.comingupforair.net/#/do-not-open-this-book/
Illustrator Matt Forsythe’s Gallery
BOOKTALK:
You really should not read this book! If you open it there is sure to be trouble. Don’t even think
about turning the pages, you will run into all kinds of crazy things! You still want to read this
book? Well, ok, but I warned you...it is really not a good idea!!
Prepared by:
Glenda Carnes, Cotton Belt Elementary School, [email protected]
What If You Had Animal Teeth?
Sandra Markle
Scholastic Press, 2013
32 pages
SUMMARY:
This book explores different animals and the uses of their teeth. Actual photographs are given of
the animal and an explanation of how the animal’s teeth help it to survive in its environment. The
next page shows an illustration of a child with those teeth. Hints on how to keep our human teeth
healthy are also included.
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY…
What if You Had Animal Hair? Markle, Sandra
What if You Had Animal Feet? Markle, Sandra
Whose Teeth are These? Lynch, Wayne (series includes Whose Tongue is This, Whose Nose is
This)
What Do You Do When Something Wants to Eat You? Jenkins, Steve
WEBSITES:
www.brainpopjr.com – links to videos about caring for teeth, losing teeth and going to the dentist
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/gamesactivities/teetheating.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/find_out/guides/tech/teeth/newsid_3830000/3830561.stm
http://www.ket.org/trips/dentist/animalteeth.htm
BOOKTALK:
How would you like to be able to move and operate your front teeth like chopsticks? Well, did
you know a naked mole rat can? Why would he need his teeth to work this way? Read this book
to see how different animals’ teeth help them to survive in their environment. Find out how the
unique shape and use of their teeth are important to them and how our human teeth work and are
important to us.
Prepared by:
Sherell Stepp, Gilbert Primary School, [email protected]
The Dark
Lemony Snicket
Little, Brown and Company, 2013
40 pages
SUMMARY:
Laszlo is afraid of the dark. He lives in a big house with creaky floors and lots of stairs. The
dark lives in his basement, a place Lazslo does not like to go. One night the dark asks Laszlo to
visit him in the basement. His experience in the basement helps Laszlo stop being afraid of the
dark. Written in short sentences with illustrations by Jon Klassen, this book conquers a universal
childhood fear.
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY…
Mr. Tiger Goes Wild by Peter Brown
Journey by Aaron Becker
Mr. Wuffles! by David Wiesner
Ol’ Mama Squirrel by Ezra Stein
WEBSITES:
Lemony Snicket www.lemonysnicketlibrary.com The official website of Lemony Snicket (real
name Daniel Handler)
Good Reads
www.goodreads.com Website reviews of popular books
Jon Klassen
www.jonklassen.tumblr.com Tumblr account for Jon Klassen
Lemony Snicket Discusses The Dark www.commonsensemedia.org An interview with author
Lemony Snicket about his book The Dark
TeachingBooks
www.teachingbooks.net Website for book activities
BOOKTALK:
As a child, I was absolutely terrified of the dark because I imagined all sorts of creatures that I
was sure were hiding there. Laszlo is no different than I was or many, many other children
everywhere. In Laszlo’s house, he lives upstairs and the dark lives in the basement. Neither
Laszlo nor the dark hardly ever venture out of their places. But one night, the dark visits Laszlo
and asks him to come down into the basement. Laszlo was afraid of the dark in the basement,
but he went down anyway. When he gets there, the dark gives him something wonderful and
comforting that makes Laszlo stop being afraid of the dark. If you have ever been afraid of the
dark, remember that the dark is not afraid of you, just as Laszlo learned in this wonderful book
about a common childhood fear entitled The Dark by Lemony Snicket, illustrated by Jon
Klassen.
Prepared by:
Beth Miller, East End Elementary School, Easley SC, [email protected]
Henri’s Scissors
Jeanette Winter
Beach Lane Books, 2013
32 pages
SUMMARY:
Overview of the life and work of artist Henri Matisse with a special focus on his cut
paper/collage creations.
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY…
The Iridescence of Birds: A Book About Henri Matisse, Patricia MacLachlan
Colorful Dreamer: The Story of Artist Henri Matisse, Marjorie Blain Parker
WEBSITES:
Henri Matisse for Kids Baltimore Museum of Art http://www.artbma.org/flash/f_conekids.swf
Flash site provides information and activities for children
Paper Cut Outs (gouaches decoupes) http://www.henri-matisse.net/cut_outs.html
5 Fun Facts About Henri http://baterbys.com/5-fun-facts-about-henri-matisse/
Henri Matisse: the Cut-Outs -- Museum of Modern Art Interactive
http://www.moma.org/interactives/exhibitions/2014/matisse/
Paper-Cut Collage Lesson Plan http://www.storyboardtoys.com/gallery/matisse-kids-artlesson.htm
How Purpose Shapes Content: Examining Two Books about Matisse
http://nonfictionandthecommoncore.blogspot.com/2014/11/how-purpose-shapes-contentexamining.html Writers’ purpose activity using CCSS
Jeanette Winter http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Jeanette-Winter/64041479
http://www.patriciamnewman.com/winter.html
BOOKTALK:
Henri Matisse created many kinds of art throughout his life, using paper, paint, pencils, ink, and
stone. He kept on creating art even when he became old and very sick. Henri began to work in a
whole new way by cutting paper with scissors and creating collages. “Matisse got as close as
one can get to heaven with a pair of scissors.” Romare Bearden
Prepared by:
Martha Taylor, Wren Middle School, [email protected]
My Daddy, Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, III
HarperCollins, 2013
32 pages
SUMMARY:
Marty tells the story of what it was like having Martin Luther King, Jr. as a father.
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY…
My Uncle Martin’s Big Heart, Angela Farris Watkins
My Brother Martin, Christine King Farris
Hero Dad, Malinda Harden
Because I’m Your Dad, Ahmet Zappa
WEBSITE:
YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smEqnnklfYs, Martin Luther King, Jr. Speech
National Geographic Kids,
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/content/kids/en_US/explore/history/martin-luther-king-jr/,
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Ducksters, http://www.ducksters.com/biography/martin_luther_king_jr.php, Biography Article
BOOKTALK:
Ever heard of Martin Luther King, Jr.? Yea, me too, he’s my dad. – That’s the story of this
memoir written by Martin Luther King, Jr.’s son. Martin’s son gives a real look at the father and
person hidden behind this civil rights leader. Read My Daddy, Martin Luther King, Jr. to take a
look into life of Martin behind the eyes of his son.
Prepared by:
Aleisha Ainsworth, Cheraw Primary, [email protected]
My Lucky Birthday
Keiko Kaszo
G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2013
30 pages
SUMMARY:
Alligator and Piglet share a birthday. As proud, vain Alligator is getting himself ready for his
party, Piglet knocks on the door. Alligator snatches him up thinking he’d make a good birthday
dinner, but Piglet has other plans. Fans of Kasza’s My Lucky Day will enjoy this trickster tale
and triumph of the underdog.
IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK, TRY…
Bunny Party by Rosemary Wells
Hooray for Amanda and her Alligator by Mo Willems
Bonjour, Butterfly by Jane O’Connor
WEBSITES:
The author’s website is http://www.keikokasza.com/ and it offers biographical information and
interesting facts about the author.
BOOKTALK:
Alligator and Piglet share a birthday. When Piglet knocks on Alligator’s door, Alligator snatches
him up and intends to eat him for a birthday dinner, but Alligator is very vain, and Piglet uses his
own smarts to outwit Alligator and treat readers to a funny surprise ending. The illustrations are
delightful, cartoon-like images that not only support the text, but are funny, storytelling
likenesses of lovable characters.
Prepared by:
Jennifer Simmons, Anderson County Library, [email protected]